What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that screens resumes before a human ever sees them. Up to 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS systems due to formatting or keyword issues.
How ATS Systems Work
ATS software parses your resume, extracts information, and scores it against the job description. Low-scoring resumes never reach a recruiter.
1. Use a Simple, Clean Format
Do:
- Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Stick to common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Use .docx or .pdf format (check job posting preferences)
Don't:
- Use tables, columns, or text boxes
- Include images, graphics, or icons
- Use headers or footers for critical information
2. Match Keywords From the Job Description
ATS systems look for specific keywords. If the job description says "project management," use that exact phrase—not just "managed projects."
Strategy:
- Copy the job description into a word cloud generator
- Identify the most frequent terms
- Naturally incorporate these into your resume
3. Spell Out Acronyms
Include both the acronym and full term: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" so the ATS catches either version.
4. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers stand out to both ATS and humans:
- ❌ "Improved sales"
- ✅ "Increased sales by 35% in Q3 2024"
5. Tailor Each Application
One-size-fits-all resumes don't work with ATS. Customize your resume for each application, emphasizing the most relevant experience.
6. Include a Skills Section
Create a dedicated skills section with relevant keywords. This is easy for ATS to parse and score.
7. Avoid Fancy File Names
Name your file simply: "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf"—not "Resume_Final_v3_Updated.pdf"
Kaareer's Skill Match feature compares your profile against job requirements automatically, helping you understand which roles you're most qualified for before you apply.